By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As usual, we’re busy juggling a heavy caseload before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) concerning the state’s biggest utilities: ComEd, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Illinois American and Aqua Illinois. Here’s a summary of where we’re at: Electric Cases Background: Back in December, the ICC slashed…...
Breaking news about your cable and internet bills (opportunities to take action)
We have important updates about your cable and internet bills–some good news, some hopeful news and some bad news (along with a call to action). The good news: FCC cracks down on “junk fees” In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stood up for consumers and cracked down on deceptive…...
ICJC News Release: Experts say CABO will make new Chicago homes healthier, reduce energy bills, and create jobs. Peoples Gas President called out for prior false testimony.
NOTE: The following is a news release from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which CUB is a member. CHICAGO – At an April 3 subject matter hearing in Chicago City Council Chambers, experts made it clear the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) will reduce energy bills, make…...
CUB Q&A on the Realgy Settlement
Former customers of alternative electric and gas supplier Realgy, LLC, have called CUB with questions about a check they were mailed. An accompanying message explains that the check is related to a settlement the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and CUB reached with the supplier. The check is…...
Shining a light on ComEd (and power grid operators)
Did you know that your electric bills are affected not just by the local utility, like ComEd, but also by large power grid operators, like “PJM”? PJM is the largest grid operator in the nation, managing the flow of electricity over high-voltage transmission lines that serve 65 million people from…...
CUB statement on nationwide AT&T cellphone outage and tips for making calls
CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz issues the following statement in response to AT&T’s nationwide wireless outage: This is a serious outage impacting public services, including peoples’ ability to call 911 on their wireless phones. After a year when AT&T boasted record operating income due to its mobile service (about $26…...
CUB challenges water rate hikes in 2024: Help us fight them!
Illinois consumers face two new water rate hikes in 2024. Here’s how you can get involved. Aqua Illinois Rate Hike (ICC Docket # 24-0044) Aqua Illinois on Jan. 17 filed for a $19.2 million rate hike before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). For the average residential wastewater and water bill (4,000 gallons),…...
Casework roundup: In 40th year, CUB fights old and new rate hikes
CUB’s 40th anniversary is turning out to be another tough year, as we fight old and new rate hikes. Major electric and gas utilities were not pleased with Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings issued late last year–and all of them launched legal challenges to the decisions. Plus we’ve got breaking…...
Illinois’ two biggest private water companies push for rate hikes
Last year’s rate-hike barrage was bad enough, but now water companies want in on the action. CUB learned this week that Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois both want rate increases. Aqua Illinois on Jan. 17 filed a $19.2 million rate-hike request with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Aqua estimated…...
CUB Q&A: What is the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO)?
The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) is a proposed Chicago ordinance that is supported by a coalition of more than 50 consumer, community, environmental, environmental justice, and faith organizations, including CUB, because it will lower utility costs, improve public health, create jobs and reduce pollution. (Read the news release…...
